User equipment capability signaling

ABSTRACT

A user equipment (UE) configured for signaling UE capability is described. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE sends an indicator regarding whether the UE can support different time division duplex (TDD) configurations on different bands for a band combination. The UE also sends an indicator regarding whether the UE can support concurrent transmission and reception on different bands for the band combination. The UE additionally sends an indicator regarding whether the UE can support different uplink timing adjustments for the band combination.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/526,176 filed Aug. 22, 2011, for UECAPABILITY FOR CARRIER AGGREGATION, with inventors Shohei Yamada, JohnMichael Kowalski and Zhanping Yin, which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to user equipment (UE)capability signaling.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication devices have become smaller and more powerful inorder to meet consumer needs and to improve portability and convenience.Consumers have become dependent upon wireless communication devices andhave come to expect reliable service, expanded areas of coverage andincreased functionality. A wireless communication system may providecommunication for a number of wireless communication devices, each ofwhich may be serviced by a base station.

As wireless communication devices have advanced, improvements incommunication capacity, speed and/or quality have been sought. However,improvements in communication capacity, speed and/or quality may requireincreased resources.

For example, wireless communication devices may communicate with one ormore devices using multiple channels or cells. However, communicatingwith one or more devices using multiple channels or cells may posecertain challenges. As illustrated by this discussion, systems andmethods that enable or improve communication using multiple channels orcells may be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of a userequipment (UE) and one or more evolved Node Bs (eNBs) in which systemsand methods for signaling a UE capability may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method forsignaling a user equipment (UE) capability;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method forreceiving signaling for UE capability;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating sets of subframes for multiple cells;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of userequipment (UE) capability signaling;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of radioresource control (RRC) signaling;

FIG. 7 illustrates various components that may be utilized in a userequipment (UE); and

FIG. 8 illustrates various components that may be utilized in an evolvedNode B (eNB).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A user equipment (UE) configured for signaling UE capability isdisclosed. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memorythat is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE sends anindicator regarding whether the UE can support different time divisionduplex (TDD) configurations on different bands for a band combination.The UE also sends an indicator regarding whether the UE can supportconcurrent transmission and reception on different bands for the bandcombination. The UE further sends an indicator regarding whether the UEcan support different uplink timing adjustments for the bandcombination.

The UE may also receive radio resource control (RRC) signaling anddetermine whether to perform concurrent transmission and reception. TheUE may follow a subframe configuration for all cells in a collisionsubframe if it is determined not to perform concurrent transmission andreception. The UE may select one subframe configuration and mute othercells with other subframe configurations if it is determined not toperform concurrent transmission and reception. The UE may concurrentlysend information and receive information on different bands if it isdetermined to perform concurrent transmission and reception.

UE-EUTRA-Capability-v11xx-IEs information may include at least one ofthe indicator regarding whether the UE can support different TDDconfigurations on different bands for the band combination, theindicator regarding whether the UE can support concurrent transmissionand reception on different bands for the band combination and theindicator regarding whether the UE can support different uplink timingadjustments for the band combination. A category indicator may includeat least one of the indicator regarding whether the UE can supportdifferent TDD configurations on different bands for the bandcombination, the indicator regarding whether the UE can supportconcurrent transmission and reception on different bands for the bandcombination and the indicator regarding whether the UE can supportdifferent uplink timing adjustments for the band combination. Acompliance indicator may include at least one of the indicator regardingwhether the UE can support different TDD configurations on differentbands for the band combination, the indicator regarding whether the UEcan support concurrent transmission and reception on different bands forthe band combination and the indicator regarding whether the UE cansupport different uplink timing adjustments for the band combination.

An evolved Node B (eNB) configured for receiving signaling for userequipment (UE) capability is also disclosed. The eNB includes aprocessor and executable instructions stored in memory that is inelectronic communication with the processor. The eNB receives anindicator regarding whether a UE can support different time divisionduplex (TDD) configurations on different bands for a band combination.The eNB also receives an indicator regarding whether the UE can supportconcurrent transmission and reception on different bands for the bandcombination. The eNB further receives an indicator regarding whether theUE can support different uplink timing adjustments for the bandcombination.

The eNB may send radio resource control (RRC) signaling that indicateswhether the UE is required to perform concurrent transmission andreception. UE-EUTRA-Capability-v11xx-IEs information may include atleast one of the indicator regarding whether the UE can supportdifferent TDD configurations on different bands for the bandcombination, the indicator regarding whether the UE can supportconcurrent transmission and reception on different bands for the bandcombination and the indicator regarding whether the UE can supportdifferent uplink timing adjustments for the band combination.

A category indicator may include at least one of the indicator regardingwhether the UE can support different TDD configurations on differentbands for the band combination, the indicator regarding whether the UEcan support concurrent transmission and reception on different bands forthe band combination and the indicator regarding whether the UE cansupport different uplink timing adjustments for the band combination. Acompliance indicator may include at least one of the indicator regardingwhether the UE can support different TDD configurations on differentbands for the band combination, the indicator regarding whether the UEcan support concurrent transmission and reception on different bands forthe band combination and the indicator regarding whether the UE cansupport different uplink timing adjustments for the band combination.

A method for signaling user equipment (UE) capability from a UE is alsodisclosed. The method includes sending an indicator regarding whetherthe UE can support different TDD configurations on different bands for aband combination. The method further includes sending an indicatorregarding whether the UE can support concurrent transmission andreception on different bands for the band combination. The method alsoincludes sending an indicator regarding whether the UE can supportdifferent uplink timing adjustments for the band combination.

A method for receiving signaling for user equipment (UE) capability byan evolved Node B (eNB) is also disclosed. The method includes receivingan indicator regarding whether a UE can support different TDDconfigurations on different bands for a band combination. The methodalso includes receiving an indicator regarding whether the UE cansupport concurrent transmission and reception on different bands for theband combination. The method further includes receiving an indicatorregarding whether the UE can support different uplink timing adjustmentsfor the band combination.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project, also referred to as “3GPP,” is acollaboration agreement that aims to define globally applicabletechnical specifications and technical reports for third and fourthgeneration wireless communication systems. The 3GPP may definespecifications for next generation mobile networks, systems and devices.

3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the name given to a project to improvethe Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile phone ordevice standard to cope with future requirements. In one aspect, UMTShas been modified to provide support and specification for the EvolvedUniversal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved UniversalTerrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN).

At least some aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein may bedescribed in relation to the 3GPP specifications (e.g., LTE,LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Release-8, Release-10, Release-11, Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.). However, the scope of thepresent disclosure should not be limited in this regard. At least someaspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized inother types of wireless communication systems.

A wireless communication device may be an electronic device used tocommunicate voice and/or data to a base station, which in turn maycommunicate with a network of devices (e.g., public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN), the Internet, etc.). In describing systems and methodsherein, a wireless communication device may alternatively be referred toas a mobile station, a user equipment (UE), an access terminal, asubscriber station, a mobile terminal, a remote station, a userterminal, a terminal, a subscriber unit, a mobile device, etc. Examplesof wireless communication devices include cellular phones, smart phones,personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, netbooks,e-readers, wireless modems, etc. In 3GPP specifications, a wirelesscommunication device is typically referred to as a user equipment (UE).However, as the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited tothe 3GPP standards, the terms “UE” and “wireless communication device”may be used interchangeably herein to mean the more general term“wireless communication device.”

In 3GPP specifications, a base station is typically referred to as aNode B, an evolved or enhanced Node B (eNB), a home enhanced or evolvedNode B (HeNB) or some other similar terminology. As the scope of thedisclosure should not be limited to 3GPP standards, the terms “basestation,” “Node B,” “eNB” and “HeNB” may be used interchangeably hereinto mean the more general term “base station.” Furthermore, the term“base station” may be used to denote an access point. An access pointmay be an electronic device that provides access to a network (e.g.,Local Area Network (LAN), the Internet, etc.) for wireless communicationdevices. The term “communication device” may be used to denote both awireless communication device and/or a base station.

It should be noted that as used herein, a “cell” may be anycommunication channel that is specified by standardization or regulatorybodies to be used for International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced(IMT-Advanced) and all of it or a subset of it may be adopted by 3GPP aslicensed bands to be used for communication between a Node B (e.g.,eNodeB) and a UE. “Configured cells” are those cells of which the UE isaware and is allowed by a Node B (e.g., eNB) to transmit or receiveinformation. “Configured cell(s)” may be serving cell(s). The UE mayreceive system information and perform the required measurements on allconfigured cells. “Activated cells” are those configured cells on whichthe UE is transmitting or receiving. That is, activated cells are thosecells for which the UE monitors the physical downlink control channel(PDCCH) and in the case of a downlink transmission, those cells forwhich the UE decodes a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).“Deactivated cells” are those configured cells that the UE is notmonitoring the transmission PDCCH. It should be noted that a “cell” maybe described in terms of differing dimensions. For example, a “cell” mayhave temporal, spatial (e.g., geographical) and frequencycharacteristics. For instance, a spatial characteristic of a cell may bedescribed in terms of size.

The systems and methods disclosed herein describe how a long-termevolution (LTE) Release-11 or later user equipment (UE) may be designedto communicate in multiple time division duplexing (TDD) configurations.Furthermore, the systems and methods disclosed herein describe how theUE may behave when the UE is configured for different time divisionduplexing (TDD) uplink-downlink (UL-DL) subframe configurations fordifferent bands or different cells or carriers.

In 3GPP LTE Release-10 (LTE-A or Advanced E-UTRAN), carrier aggregationis introduced. Rel-10 TDD allowed having only one unified TDDuplink-downlink configuration for all serving cells. In Rel-11, LTEcarrier aggregation enhancement or “Support of inter-band carrieraggregation for TDD DL and UL including different uplink-downlinkconfigurations on different bands” is being investigated. One of theadvantages of a TDD approach is the flexible resource utilizationthrough different TDD configurations. By configuring different TDDconfigurations, the ratio between available UL and DL resources canrange from 3UL:2DL to 1 UL:9DL.

The benefit of a flexible arrangement of TDD configurations fordifferent cells means this design may enable more free and efficientnetwork deployment for a TDD operator that holds multiple carriers ondifferent bands, if various TDD configurations can be employed ondifferent bands. For example, the operator might use a configurationthat has more UL time/frequency resources than the DL on alower-frequency band to improve UL coverage and battery life (becausepropagation loss is less at lower frequencies), while a DL-heavyconfiguration could be used on a higher-frequency band to boost DLcapacity for a hotspot or indoor area.

Various configurations are now described with reference to the Figures,where like reference numbers may indicate functionally similar elements.The systems and methods as generally described and illustrated in theFigures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations. Thus, the following more detailed descriptionof several configurations, as represented in the Figures, is notintended to limit scope, as claimed, but is merely representative of thesystems and methods.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of a userequipment (UE) 102 and one or more evolved Node Bs (eNBs) 160 in whichsystems and methods for signaling a UE capability may be implemented. Insome configurations, the UE capability may be signaled for carrieraggregation. The UE 102 communicates with an evolved Node B (eNB) 160using one or more antennas 122 a-n. For example, the UE 102 transmitselectromagnetic signals to the eNB 160 and receives electromagneticsignals from the eNB 160 using the one or more antennas 122 a-n. The eNB160 communicates with the UE 102 using one or more antennas 180 a-n. Itshould be noted that the eNB 160 may be a Node B, home evolved Node B(HeNB) or other kind of base station in some configurations.

The UE 102 and the eNB 160 may use one or more cells (e.g., channels,carrier components, etc.) 119, 121 to communicate with each other. Forexample, the UE 102 and eNB 160 may use the cells 119, 121 to carry oneor more channels (e.g., Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH),Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), physical downlink controlchannel (PDCCH), etc.) A PUCCH is one example of a control channelpursuant to 3GPP specifications. Other kinds of channels may be used.

In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, multiplekinds of cells 119, 121 and/or multiple groups of cells 119, 121 may beused for communication. As used herein, the term “group” may denote agroup of one or more entities. A primary cell (PCell) may be a primarycell in accordance with 3GPP specifications. A secondary cell (SCell)may be a secondary cell in accordance with 3GPP specifications. One kindof group may include a PCell 119. In some cases, one or more SCells 121may also be included in a group with a PCell 119. Another kind of groupmay include one or more SCells 121. The uplink of the one or moreserving cells 119, 121 in each group may have the same uplinktransmission timing. For example, each of one or more SCells 121 in eachgroup may share the same uplink transmission timing.

In one case, a single eNB 160 may communicate with the UE 102 using aPCell 119 and one or more SCells 121. In another case, one eNB 160 maycommunicate with the UE 102 using the PCell 119 (and optionally one ormore SCells 121, for example), while another eNB 160 may communicatewith the UE 102 using one or more SCells 121.

The UE 102 may include one or more transceivers 118, one or moredemodulators 114, one or more decoders 108, one or more encoders 150,one or more modulators 154 and an UE operations module 124. For example,one or more reception and/or transmission paths may be used in the UE102. For convenience, only a single transceiver 118, decoder 108,demodulator 114, encoder 150 and modulator 154 are illustrated, thoughmultiple parallel elements (e.g., transceivers 118, decoders 108,demodulators 114, encoders 150 and modulators 154) may be used dependingon the configuration.

The transceiver 118 may include one or more receivers 120 and one ormore transmitters 158. The one or more receivers 120 may receive signalsfrom the eNB 160 using one or more antennas 122 a-n. For example, thereceiver 120 may receive and downconvert signals to produce one or morereceived signals 116. The one or more received signals 116 may beprovided to a demodulator 114. The one or more transmitters 158 maytransmit signals to the eNB 160 using one or more antennas 122 a-n. Forexample, the one or more transmitters 158 may upconvert and transmit oneor more modulated signals 156.

The demodulator 114 may demodulate the one or more received signals 116to produce one or more demodulated signals 112. The one or moredemodulated signals 112 may be provided to the decoder 108. The UE 102may use the decoder 108 to decode signals. The decoder 108 may produceone or more decoded signals 106, 110. For example, a first UE-decodedsignal 106 may comprise received payload data 104. A second UE-decodedsignal 110 may comprise overhead data and/or control data. For example,the second UE-decoded signal 110 may provide data that may be used bythe UE operations module 124 to perform one or more operations. Forinstance, the second UE-decoded signal 110 may comprise aUECapabilityEnquiry message or an RRCConnectionReconfiguration messagereceived from the eNB 160.

As used herein, the term “module” may mean that a particular element orcomponent may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination ofhardware and software. However, it should be noted that any elementdenoted as a “module” herein may alternatively be implemented inhardware. For example, the UE operations module 124 may be implementedin hardware, software or a combination of both.

In general, the UE operations module 124 may enable the UE 102 tocommunicate with one or more eNBs 160. The UE operations module 124 mayinclude capability information 126, a capability signaling module 134and a duplexing module 173. The capability information 126 may includeinformation that indicates whether the UE 102 is capable of supportingdifferent TDD configurations 128, supporting concurrent transmission andreception 130 and supporting multiple uplink timing adjustment 132.

The capability signaling module 134 may generate messages based on thecapability information 126. For example, the capability signaling module134 may generate a message indicating that the UE 102 is capable ofsupporting different TDD configurations on different bands for one ormore band combinations. In another example, the capability signalingmodule 134 may generate a message indicating that the UE 102 is capableof supporting concurrent (e.g., simultaneous) transmission and receptionon different bands for one or more band combinations. In yet anotherexample, the capability signaling module 134 may generate a messageindicating that the UE 102 is capable of supporting different uplinktiming adjustments for one or more band combinations. The messages maybe generated in accordance with the description provided in connectionwith FIG. 5 below.

The duplexing module 173 may control whether the UE 102 communicatesusing full duplexing or half duplexing. For example, the UE 102 mayreceive signaling (e.g., a message) from the eNB 160 that requires theUE 102 to communicate with the eNB 160 using full duplexing or halfduplexing. In full duplexing, the UE 102 may transmit and receiveinformation concurrently. In half duplexing, the UE 102 may onlytransmit information or receive information at one time. In someconfigurations, the UE 102 may set (e.g., reconfigure) a duplexing modebased on a message received from the eNB 106 and may send a message tothe eNB 160 indicating that the duplexing mode has been set (e.g.,reconfigured).

In one example, the UE 102 is configured by the eNB 160 using RRCsignaling, indicating whether the UE 102 is required to performconcurrent transmission and reception or not. If the UE 102 isconfigured to not perform concurrent (e.g., simultaneous) transmissionand reception or full duplex, the UE 102 may follow one of the subframeconfigurations for all cells (e.g., cells 119, 121) in a collisionsubframe or select one of the subframe configurations and mute othercells with other subframe configuration(s) in the collision subframe. A“collision subframe” may be a subframe in which different configurationsassign different types of subframes (e.g., uplink, downlink, special).More detail regarding duplexing and signaling related to duplexing isgiven in connection with FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 below.

In some configurations, the UE 102 may determine multiple cells 119,121. For example, the UE 102 may monitor one or more frequency bands todetect whether one or more eNBs 160 may provide access to cells 119,121. For instance, the UE 102 may receive a broadcast, timing or beaconsignal from one or more eNBs 160 indicating that the one or more eNBs160 may provide cell(s) 119, 121 for communication. In another example,the UE 102 may transmit a signal or message to one or more eNBs 160. Theone or more eNBs 160 may then send a signal in response to the UE 102indicating that one or more cells 119, 121 may be used forcommunication.

In one configuration, the UE 102 may adjust its uplink transmissiontiming for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical uplinkshared channel (PUSCH) and/or sounding reference signal (SRS) of aprimary cell (PCell) 119 based on a timing advance command.

In one configuration, the uplink transmission timing for a PUSCH and/orSRS of each SCell 121 in a group with a PCell 119 may be the same as theuplink transmission timing for the corresponding PCell 119. Inaccordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, the uplinktransmission timing for a PUSCH and/or SRS of each SCell 121 in a groupwithout the PCell 119 may share the same as the uplink transmissiontiming (with one particular SCell 121, for example). It should be notedthat each serving cell 119, 121 may have a downlink and/or uplink.

Uplink transmission timing may need to be adjusted since signals fromthe UE 102 may need to reach one or more eNBs 160 at one or morespecified times. For example, all signals being transmitted to an eNB160 may need to arrive at the same time or within a cyclic prefix in anOFDM symbol at the eNB 160.

The UE operations module 124 may provide information 142 to the encoder150. This information 142 may include instructions for the encoder 150and/or data to be encoded. For example, the UE operations module 124 mayinstruct the encoder 150 to shift transmission timing for a PCell 119and/or one or more SCells 121 and/or instruct the encoder 150 regardingan encoding rate. Additionally or alternatively, the information 142 mayinclude data to be encoded, such as UE 102 capability information 126and/or other control data (e.g., a UECapabilityInformation message, anRRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete message, etc.).

The encoder 150 may encode transmission data 146 and/or otherinformation 142 provided by the UE operations module 124. For example,encoding the data 146 and/or other information 142 may involve errordetection and/or correction coding, mapping data to space, time and/orfrequency resources for transmission, etc. The encoder 150 may provideencoded data 152 to the modulator 154.

The UE operations module 124 may provide information 144 to themodulator 154. This information 144 may include instructions for themodulator 154. For example, the UE operations module 124 may instructthe modulator 154 to shift transmission timing for a PCell 119 and/orone or more SCells 121 and/or instruct the modulator 154 regarding amodulation type (e.g., constellation mapping). The modulator 154 maymodulate the encoded data 152 to provide one or more modulated signals156 to the one or more transmitters 158.

The UE operations module 124 may provide information 140 to the one ormore transmitters 158. This information 140 may include instructions forthe one or more transmitters 158. For example, the UE operations module124 may instruct the one or more transmitters 158 to shift transmissiontiming for a PCell 119 and/or one or more SCells 121. In anotherexample, the UE operations module 124 may instruct the one or moretransmitters 158 whether to transmit according to full duplex (e.g.,while the one or more receivers 120 are receiving) or half duplex (e.g.,not while the one or more receivers 120 are receiving). The one or moretransmitters 158 may upconvert and transmit the modulated signal(s) 156to one or more eNBs 160. It should be noted that the UE 102 may need tohave more than one transmitter 158 in order to perform multiple uplinktiming adjustments.

Each of the one or more eNBs 160 may include one or more transceivers176, one or more demodulators 172, one or more decoders 166, one or moreencoders 109, one or more modulators 113 and an eNB operations module182. For example, one or more reception and/or transmission paths may beused in an eNB 160. For convenience, only a single transceiver 176,decoder 166, demodulator 172, encoder 109 and modulator 113 areillustrated, though multiple parallel elements (e.g., transceivers 176,decoders 166, demodulators 172, encoders 109 and modulators 113) may beused depending on the configuration.

The transceiver 176 may include one or more receivers 178 and one ormore transmitters 117. The one or more receivers 178 may receive signalsfrom the UE 102 using one or more antennas 180 a-n. For example, thereceiver 178 may receive and downconvert signals to produce one or morereceived signals 174. The one or more received signals 174 may beprovided to a demodulator 172. The one or more transmitters 117 maytransmit signals to the UE 102 using one or more antennas 180 a-n. Forexample, the one or more transmitters 117 may upconvert and transmit oneor more modulated signals 115.

The demodulator 172 may demodulate the one or more received signals 174to produce one or more demodulated signals 170. The one or moredemodulated signals 170 may be provided to the decoder 166. The eNB 160may use the decoder 166 to decode signals. The decoder 166 may produceone or more decoded signals 164, 168. For example, a first eNB-decodedsignal 164 may comprise received payload data 162. A second eNB-decodedsignal 168 may comprise overhead data and/or control data. For example,the second eNB-decoded signal 168 may provide data that may be used bythe eNB operations module 182 to perform one or more operations (e.g., aUECapabilityInformation message or anRRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete message received from the UE 102).

In general, the eNB operations module 182 may enable the eNB 160 tocommunicate with a UE 102 that is using one or more cells 119, 121. TheeNB operations module 182 may manage the transmission timing for one ormore cells 119, 121. For example, the eNB operations module 182 maygenerate a UE capability enquiry or UE capability request. Additionallyor alternatively, the eNB operations module may control communicationswith the UE 102 based on UE 102 capability information received from theUE 102.

In one configuration, the eNB operations module 182 may include a duplexindication module 171. The duplex indication module 171 may generatesignaling (e.g., an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message) that indicateswhether the UE 102 is required to communicate according to full duplexor half duplex. For example, the eNB 160 may determine whether the UE102 is required to communicate according to full duplex or half duplexbased on UE 102 capability information received from the UE 102. Moredetail regarding signaling to indicate duplexing is given in connectionwith FIG. 6.

The eNB operations module 182 may provide information 101 to the encoder109. This information 101 may include instructions for the encoder 109and/or data to be encoded. For example, the eNB operations module 182may instruct the encoder 109 regarding an encoding rate. Additionally oralternatively, the information 101 may include data to be encoded (e.g.,a UECapabilityEnquiry message, an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message,etc.). For example, the eNB operations module may provide a UEcapability enquiry or request to the encoder for transmission.

The encoder 109 may encode transmission data 105 and/or otherinformation 101 provided by the eNB operations module 182. For example,encoding the data 105 and/or other information 101 may involve errordetection and/or correction coding, mapping data to space, time and/orfrequency resources for transmission, etc. The encoder 109 may provideencoded data 111 to the modulator 113. The transmission data 105 mayinclude network data to be relayed to the UE 102.

The eNB operations module 182 may provide information 103 to themodulator 113. This information 103 may include instructions for themodulator 113. For example, the eNB operations module 182 may instructthe modulator 113 regarding a modulation type (e.g., constellationmapping). The modulator 113 may modulate the encoded data 111 to provideone or more modulated signals 115 to the one or more transmitters 117.

The eNB operations module 182 may provide information 198 to the one ormore transmitters 117. This information 198 may include instructions forthe one or more transmitters 117. For example, the eNB operations module182 may instruct the one or more transmitters 117 to transmit using oneor more cells 119, 121. The one or more transmitters 117 may upconvertand transmit the modulated signal(s) 115 to the UE 102.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method 200for signaling a user equipment (UE) capability. For example, the method200 may describe signaling for UE 102 capability for carrieraggregation. A UE 102 that is designed to communicate with different TDDuplink/downlink configurations may indicate its capability to an eNB160. For example, a UE 102 may send 202 an indicator regarding whetherthe UE 102 can support different TDD configurations on different bandsfor one or more band combinations. For instance, the UE 102 informs aneNB 160 of its capability, including whether the UE 102 can supportdifferent TDD configurations on different bands for each bandcombination.

In one configuration, the indicator that is sent 202 may comprise a UEcategory. For example, UEs in a particular category may be capable ofsupporting different TDD configurations, which may be indicated by a UEcategory. In another configuration, the indicator that is sent 202 maycomprise information that indicates compliance with a particularspecification release. For example, all Release-11 UEs may be capable ofsupporting different TDD configurations, which may be indicated by acompliance or release number indicator.

The UE 102 may send 204 an indicator regarding whether the UE 102 cansupport concurrent transmission and reception on different bands foreach band combination. For example, the UE 102 informs an eNB 160 of itscapability, including whether the UE 102 can support simultaneoustransmission and reception on different bands for each band combination.

In one configuration, the indicator that is sent 204 may comprise a UEcategory indicator. For example, UEs in a particular category may becapable of supporting concurrent transmission and reception on differentbands, which may be indicated by a UE category indicator. In anotherconfiguration, the indicator that is sent 202 may comprise informationthat indicates compliance with a particular specification release. Forexample, all Release-11 UEs may be capable of supporting concurrenttransmission and reception on different bands, which may be indicated bya compliance or release number indicator.

The UE 102 may send 206 an indicator regarding whether the UE 102 cansupport different uplink timing adjustments for each band combination.For example, the UE 102 informs an eNB 160 of its capability to supportdifferent uplink timing adjustments for each band combination. Theindicator(s) sent 202, 204, 206 indicating UE 102 capability may beformatted in accordance with the description given in connection withFIG. 5 below. One or more of the indicators may be sent in one or moremessages and/or may be indicated explicitly or implicitly.

In one configuration, the indicator that is sent 206 may comprise a UEcategory indicator. For example, UEs in a particular category may becapable of supporting different uplink timing adjustments for each bandcombination, which may be indicated by a UE category indicator. Inanother configuration, the indicator that is sent 202 may compriseinformation that indicates compliance with a particular specificationrelease. For example, all Release-11 UEs may be capable of supportingdifferent uplink timing adjustments for each band combination, which maybe indicated by a compliance or release number indicator. In someconfigurations, one or more of the indicators described may be includedin a UECapabilityInformation message. In some configurations, sending202, 204, 206 one or more of the indicators may be done in response toreception of a UECapabilityEnquiry message from the eNB 160.

The UE 102 may receive 208 radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Forexample, the UE 102 may receive RRCConnectionReconfiguration signalingfrom an eNB 160 that requires the UE 102 to communicate using fullduplex or half duplex communications. For instance, the UE 102 isconfigured by an eNB 160 using RRC signaling, whether the UE 102 isrequired to perform concurrent (e.g., simultaneous) transmission andreception or not.

The UE 102 may determine 210 whether to perform concurrent transmissionand reception. For example, the UE 102 may determine 210 whether tocommunication using full duplex communications or half duplexcommunications. The UE 102 may make this determination 210 based on theRRC signaling received from the eNB 160, which may specify which type ofduplexing is required.

If the UE 102 is configured with not performing concurrent (e.g.,simultaneous) transmission and reception (e.g., the UE 102 is configuredfor performing half duplex communications), the UE 102 may follow 212one of the subframe configurations for all cells in the collisionsubframe or select 212 one of the subframe configurations (for one cell,for example) and mute (e.g., disregard) other cells with other subframeconfigurations in the collision subframe.

In the case that the UE 102 is configured to perform concurrent (e.g.,simultaneous) transmission and reception (e.g., full duplex), the UE 102may concurrently send 214 information and receive 214 information ondifferent bands. For example, the UE 102 may send an uplink transmissionon one carrier while concurrently receiving a downlink transmission onanother carrier.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating one configuration of a method 300for receiving signaling for UE 102 capability. For example, the method300 may describe receiving signaling for UE 102 capability for carrieraggregation. An eNB 160 may send 302 a message requesting UE 102capability information. For example, an eNB 160 may send a UE 102capability enquiry or UE 102 capability request.

A UE 102 may indicate its capability to an eNB 160. For example, the eNB160 may receive 304 an indicator regarding whether the UE 102 cansupport different TDD configurations on different bands for one or moreband combinations. For instance, the UE 102 informs an eNB 160 of itscapability, including whether the UE 102 can support different TDDconfigurations on different bands for each band combination.

In one configuration, the indicator that is received 304 may comprise aUE category indicator. For example, UEs in a particular category may becapable of supporting different TDD configurations, which may beindicated by a UE category indicator. In another configuration, theindicator that is received 304 may comprise information that indicatescompliance with a particular specification release. For example, allRelease-11 UEs may be capable of supporting different TDDconfigurations, which may be indicated by a compliance or release numberindicator.

The eNB 160 may receive 306 an indicator regarding whether the UE 102can support concurrent transmission and reception on different bands foreach band combination. For example, the UE 102 informs an eNB 160 of itscapability, including whether the UE 102 can support simultaneoustransmission and reception on different bands for each band combination.

In one configuration, the indicator that is received 306 may comprise aUE category indicator. For example, UEs in a particular category may becapable of supporting concurrent transmission and reception on differentbands, which may be indicated by a UE category indicator. In anotherconfiguration, the indicator that is received 306 may compriseinformation that indicates compliance with a particular specificationrelease. For example, all Release-11 UEs may be capable of supportingconcurrent transmission and reception on different bands, which may beindicated by a compliance or release number indicator.

The eNB 160 may receive 308 an indicator regarding whether the UE 102can support different uplink timing adjustments for each bandcombination. For example, the UE 102 informs an eNB 160 of itscapability to support different uplink timing adjustments for each bandcombination. One or more of the indicator(s) received 304, 306, 308indicating UE 102 capability may be formatted in accordance with thedescription given in connection with FIG. 5 below. One or more of theindicators may be received in one or more messages and/or may beindicated explicitly or implicitly.

In one configuration, the indicator that is received 308 may comprise aUE category indicator. For example, UEs in a particular category may becapable of supporting different uplink timing adjustments for each bandcombination, which may be indicated by a UE category indicator. Inanother configuration, the indicator that is received 308 may compriseinformation that indicates compliance with a particular specificationrelease. For example, all Release-11 UEs may be capable of supportingdifferent uplink timing adjustments for each band combination, which maybe indicated by a compliance or release number indicator.

The eNB 160 may send 310 radio resource control (RRC) signaling thatindicates whether the UE 102 is required to perform concurrenttransmission and reception. For example, the eNB 160 may send anRRCConnectionReconfiguration message that indicates whether the UE 102is required to communicate according to full duplex or half duplex. Insome cases, the eNB 160 may send 310 the RRC signaling based on UE 102capabilities.

In some configurations, the eNB 160 may also receive signaling from theUE 102 that indicates that the UE 102 has been reconfigured (for fullduplex or half duplex communications, for example). For instance, theeNB 160 may receive an RRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete message.

The eNB 160 may communicate 312 with the UE 102 based on whether the UE102 is required to perform concurrent transmission and reception(according to the RRC signaling, for instance). For example, the eNB 160may schedule downlink and/or uplink communications based on full duplexor half duplex communications. In some configurations, thesecommunications 310 may also be based on whether the UE 102 can supportdifferent TDD configurations on different bands, can support concurrenttransmission and reception on different bands and can support differentuplink timing adjustments for each band combination. The eNB 160 mayadditionally or alternatively transmit information to the UE 102 and/orreceive information from the UE 102 based on the UE capabilityinformation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating sets of subframes 427 a-j, 429 a-j formultiple cells. More specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates different TDDconfigurations 425 a-b between two cells 423 a-b that are in differentbands and are operated by carrier aggregation. In FIG. 4, “D” may denotea downlink subframe and “U” may denote an uplink subframe.

Different frequency bands are typically covered by different radiofrequency (RF) chains in the same device, so an eNB 160 and a userequipment (UE) 102 may have independent RF operations on differentbands. However, the problem with different TDD configurations ondifferent bands is that simultaneous transmission and reception ondifferent bands may need to be supported in some subframes 427 a-j, 429a-j.

For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a group of subframes 427 a-j accordingto configuration A 425 a (e.g., “Config 1”) for cell A 423 a (e.g., cell#0 or a primary cell (PCell)). Furthermore, another group of subframes429 a-j according to a configuration B 425 b (e.g., “Config 2”) for cellB 423 b (e.g., a cell #1 or a secondary cell (SCell)) are alsoillustrated. As shown in FIG. 4, simultaneous transmission and reception431 a-b may occur when a downlink subframe (e.g., subframes 427 e, 427j) in one cell (e.g., cell A 423 a) occurs at the same time that anuplink subframe (e.g., subframes 429 e, 429 j) occurs in another cell(e.g., cell B 423 b). Subframes (e.g., subframes 427 e and 429 e andsubframes 427 j and 429 j) where different types of subframes (e.g., “D”and “U”) occur on different configurations 425 a-b in the same subframe(e.g., concurrently) may be referred to as “collision” subframes.

Simultaneous transmission and reception on different bands may not posea significant problem for an eNB 160. For a UE 102, however, theadditional cost and complexity of RF equipment to isolate thetransmitted signal from a desired received signal may not be negligible.For example, in some cases where the frequency separation is not largeenough, a duplexer, circulator or isolator may need to be insertedbetween the RF chains in the UE 102. UE manufacturers may want to haveimplementation options on whether a UE supports this feature or not.

In some configurations, the eNB 160 may switch UE communications (e.g.,behavior) between half duplex and full duplex. The UE 102 may get thebenefit of power saving if half duplex is used.

In carrier aggregation when a UE 102 can perform an uplink timingadjustment in each set of one or more cells, the UE 102 must have morethan one transmitter. Carriers may or may not wish to require all UEs tooperate with these configurations simultaneously. Furthermore, UEmanufacturers may want to have implementation options on whether a UEsupports this feature or not.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of userequipment (UE) 502 capability signaling. In Rel-10, a UE 502 may provideUE capability information 537 to an eNB 160. The purpose of thisprocedure is to transfer UE 502 radio access capability information fromthe UE 502 to an E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio AccessNetwork) (via an eNB 160, for example).

If the UE 502 has changed its E-UTRAN radio access capabilities, the UE502 (e.g., via radio resource control (RRC) signaling) may send a signalto request higher layers to initiate the necessary NAS (non-accessstratum) procedures (see TS 23.401) that would result in the update ofUE 502 radio access capabilities using a new radio resource control(RRC) connection. It should be noted that changing a UE's 502 GERAN (GSMRadio Access Network) radio capabilities in an RRC_IDLE mode issupported by the use of a Tracking Area Update. The E-UTRAN 533 mayinitiate the procedure to a UE 502 in an RRC_CONNECTED state when it 533needs (additional) UE 502 radio access capability information.

The UE 502 sets the contents of a UECapabilityInformation message 537 asfollows. If a ue-CapabilityRequest (or a UECapabilityEnquiry 535 forexample) includes eutra, then the UE 502 may include aUE-EUTRA-Capability within a ue-CapabilityRAT-Container and with therat-Type set to eutra. The UE 502 (e.g., RRC) may submit theUECapabilityInformation message to lower layers for transmission, uponwhich the procedure may end. It should be noted that higher or lowerlayers may be based on an RRC specification.

The UL-DCCH-Message class is the set of RRC messages that may be sentfrom the UE 502 to the E-UTRAN 533 on the uplink DCCH logical channel. AUL-DCCH-Message has the following types as illustrated in Listing (1).

   UL-DCCH-MessageType ::= CHOICE {  c1      CHOICE {csfbParametersRequestCDMA2000   CSFBParametersRequestCDMA2000,measurementReport          MeasurementReport,rrcConnectionReconfigurationComplete RRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete,rrcConnectionReestablishmentComplete RRCConnectionReestablishmentComplete, rrcConnectionSetupComplete     RRCConnectionSetupComplete, securityModeComplete        SecurityModeComplete, securityModeFailure         SecurityModeFailure, ueCapabilityInformation        UECapabilityInformation, ulHandoverPreparationTransfer     ULHandoverPreparationTransfer, ulInformationTransfer        ULInformationTransfer, counterCheckResponse        CounterCheckResponse, ueInformation Response-r9      UEInformationResponse-r9, proximityIndication-r9         ProximityIndication-r9, rnReconfigurationComplete-r10    RNReconfigurationComplete-r10, mbmsCountingResponse-r10      MBMSCountingResponse-r10, interFreqRSTDMeasurementIndication-r10 InterFreqRSTDMeasurementIndication-r10  },  messageClassExtension SEQUENCE { } }               Listing (1)

UECapabilityInformation 537 is type of a UL-DCCH-Message. TheUECapabilityInformation message 537 may be used to transfer informationregarding UE 502 radio access capabilities requested by the E-UTRAN 533.UE-EUTRA-Capability is a UE's 502 EUTRA-related capability asillustrated in Listing (2).

   UE-EUTRA-Capability ::= SEQUENCE {  accessStratum Release AccessStratum Release,  ue-Category       INTEGER (1..5), pdcp-Parameters     PDCP-Parameters,  phyLayerParameters  PhyLayerParameters,  rf-Parameters      RF-Parameters,  measParameters    MeasParameters,  featureGroupIndicators   BIT STRING (SIZE (32)) OPTIONAL,  interRAT-Parameters  SEQUENCE {   utraFDD      IRAT-ParametersUTRA-FDD    OPTIONAL,   utraTDD128     IRAT-ParametersUTRA-TDD128 OPTIONAL,   utraTDD384     IRAT-ParametersUTRA-TDD384 OPTIONAL,   utraTDD768     IRAT-ParametersUTRA-TDD768 OPTIONAL,   geran         IRAT-ParametersGERAN    OPTIONAL,   cdma2000-HRPD    IRAT-ParametersCDMA2000-HRPD OPTIONAL,   cdma2000-1xRTT   IRAT-ParametersCDMA2000-1XRTT OPTIONAL  },  nonCriticalExtension  UE-EUTRA-Capability-v920-IEs   OPTIONAL } UE-EUTRA-Capability-v920-IEs::= SEQUENCE {  phyLayerParameters-v920      PhyLayerParameters-v920, interRAT-ParametersGERAN-v920   IRAT-ParametersGERAN-v920, interRAT-ParametersUTRA-v920 IRAT-ParametersUTRA-v920 OPTIONAL, interRAT-ParametersCDMA2000-v920   IRAT-ParametersCDMA2000-1XRTT-v920        OPTIONAL,  deviceType-r9  ENUMERATED {noBenFromBatConsumpOpt}OPTIONAL,  csg-ProximityIndication Parameters-r9  CSG-ProximityIndication Parameters-r9, neighCellSI-AcquisitionParameters-r9  NeighCellSI-AcquisitionParameters-r9,  son-Parameters-r9  SON-Parameters-r9,  nonCriticalExtension  UE-EUTRA-Capability-v940-IEs    OPTIONAL } UE-EUTRA-Capability-v940-IEs ::=  SEQUENCE { lateNonCriticalExtension OCTET STRING          OPTIONAL, nonCriticalExtension    UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1020-IEs   OPTIONAL }UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1020-IEs ::= SEQUENCE (  ue-Category-v1020     INTEGER (6..8)        OPTIONAL,  phyLayerParameters-v1020   PhyLayerParameters-v1020    OPTIONAL,  rf-Parameters-v1020      RF-Parameters-v1020       OPTIONAL,  measParameters-v1020     MeasParameters-v1020     OPTIONAL,  featureGroupIndicators-v1020  BIT STRING (SIZE (32))     OPTIONAL, interRAT-ParametersCDMA2000-v1020   IRAT-ParametersCDMA2000-1XRTT-v1020         OPTIONAL,  ue-BasedNetwPerfMeasParameters-r10 UE-  BasedNetwPerfMeasParameters-r10             OPTIONAL, interRAT-ParametersUTRA-TDD-v1020   IRAT-ParametersUTRA-TDD-v1020           OPTIONAL,  nonCriticalExtension     SEQUENCE { }        OPTIONAL }               Listing (2)

A Rel-10 UE can include rf-Parameters and rf-Parameters-v1020 inUE-EUTRA-Capability. RF-Parameters and RF-Parameters-v1020 include theinformation illustrated in Listing (3) and Table (1).

   RF-Parameters ::=      SEQUENCE {  supportedBandListEUTRA   SupportedBandListEUTRA } RF-Parameters-v1020 ::=   SEQUENCE {supportedBandCombination-r10   SupportedBandCombination-r10 }SupportedBandCombination-r10 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBandComb- r10))OFBandCombinationParameters-r10 BandCombinationParameters-r10 ::= SEQUENCE(SIZE (1..maxSimultaneousBands-r10)) OF BandParameters-r10BandParameters-r10 ::= SEQUENCE {  bandEUTRA-r10      INTEGER (1..64), bandParametersUL-r10  BandParametersUL-r10     OPTIONAL, bandParametersDL-r10  BandParametersDL-r10     OPTIONAL }BandParametersUL-r10 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBandwidthClass-r10)) OFCA-MIMO-ParametersUL-r10 CA-MIMO-ParametersUL-r10 ::= SEQUENCE { ca-BandwidthClassUL-r10      CA-BandwidthClass-r10, supportedMIMO-CapabilityUL-r10   MIMO-CapabilityUL-r10  OPTIONAL }BandParametersDL-r10 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBandwidthClass-r10)) OFCA-MIMO-ParametersDL-r10 CA-MIMO-ParametersDL-r10 ::= SEQUENCE { ca-BandwidthClassDL-r10      CA-BandwidthClass-r10, supportedMIMO-CapabilityDL-r10   MIMO-CapabilityDL-r10  OPTIONAL }CA-BandwidthClass-r10 ::= ENUMERATED {a, b, c, d, e, f, ...}MIMO-CapabilityUL-r10 ::= ENUMERATED {twoLayers, fourLayers}MIMO-CapabilityDL-r10 ::= ENUMERATED {twoLayers, fourLayers,eightLayers} SupportedBandListEUTRA ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OFSupportedBandEUTRA SupportedBandEUTRA ::=     SEQUENCE {    bandEUTRA        INTEGER (1..64),    half Duplex          BOOLEAN }MeasParameters ::=        SEQUENCE {    bandListEUTRA       BandListEUTRA } MeasParameters-v1020 ::=     SEQUENCE { bandCombinationListEUTRA-r10    BandCombinationListEUTRA-r10 }BandListEUTRA ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OF BandInfoEUTRABandCombinationListEUTRA-r10 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBandComb- r10))OF BandInfoEUTRA BandInfoEUTRA ::=       SEQUENCE {  interFreqBandList        InterFreqBandList,  interRAT-BandList         InterRAT-BandList  OPTIONAL } InterFreqBandList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OFInterFreqBandInfo InterFreqBandInfo ::=       SEQUENCE { interFreqNeedForGaps       BOOLEAN } maxBandComb-r10   -- Maximumnumber of band combinations. maxBands      -- Maximum number of bandslisted in EUTRA UE caps maxBandwidthClass-r10  -- Maximum number ofsupported CA BW classes per band maxSimultaneousBands-r10  -- Maximumnumber of simultaneously aggregated bands               Listing (3)

TABLE (1) bandCombinationListEUTRA One entry corresponding to eachsupported band combination listed in the same order as insupportedBandCombination bandEUTRA E-UTRA band as defined in TS 36.101bandListEUTRA One entry corresponding to each supported E-UTRA bandlisted in the same order as in supportedBandListEUTRA This field shallinclude all bands that are indicated in BandCombinationParameters-r10CA-BandwidthClass The CA bandwidth class supported by the UE as definedin TS 36.101 halfDuplex If halfDuplex is set to true, only half duplexoperation is supported for the band, otherwise full duplex operation issupported interFreqBandList One entry corresponding to each supportedE-UTRA band listed in the same order as in supportedBandListEUTRAinterFreqNeedForGaps Indicates need for measurement gaps when operatingon the E-UTRA band given by the entry in bandListEUTRA or on the E-UTRAband combination given by the entry in bandCombinationListEUTRA andmeasuring on the E-UTRA band given by the entry in interFreqBandListMIMO-CapabilityDL The number of supported layers for spatialmultiplexing in DL MIMO-CapabilityUL The number of supported layers forspatial multiplexing in UL

All the combinations of CA-MIMO-ParametersUL and CA-MIMO-ParametersDLfor one band and across all the bands in each BandCombinationParametersare supported by the UE 502 and have the same measurement gaprequirement (e.g., the same BandInfoEUTRA applies). TheBandCombinationParameters for the same band combination can be includedmore than once.

In Rel-11, UE-EUTRA-Capability-v11xx-IEs and RF-Parameters-v11xx may beintroduced. One example is given in Listing (4). In particular, the“nonCriticalExtension” “UE-EUTRA-Capability-v11xx-IEs” may beintroduced. Furthermore, the “UE-EUTRA-Capability-v11xx-IEs” may include“rf-Parameters-v11 xx.”

   UE-EUTRA-Capability-v1020-IEs ::= SEQUENCE {  ue-Category-v1020     INTEGER (6..8)       OPTIONAL,  phyLayerParameters-v1020   PhyLayerParameters-v1020   OPTIONAL,  rf-Parameters-v1020      RF-Parameters-v1020      OPTIONAL,  measParameters-v1020   MeasParameters-v1020      OPTIONAL,  featureGroupIndicators-v1020  BIT STRING (SIZE (32))   OPTIONAL,  interRAT-ParametersCDMA2000-v1020IRAT-ParametersCDMA2000- 1XRTT-v1020                      OPTIONAL, ue-BasedNetwPerfMeasParameters-r10 UE-asedNetwPerfMeasParameters- r10                           OPTIONAL,  interRAT-ParametersUTRA-TDD-v1020IRAT-ParametersUTRA-TDD-v1020                             OPTIONAL, nonCriticalExtension   UE-EUTRA-Capability-v11xx-IEs   OPTIONAL }UE-EUTRA-Capability-v11xx-IEs ::= SEQUENCE {  rf-Parameters-v11xx     RF-Parameters-v11xx     OPTIONAL,  nonCriticalExtension     SEQUENCE { }      OPTIONAL } RF-Parameters-v11xx ::=     SEQUENCE { bandList-r11         BandList-r11 } BandList-r11 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxBands)) OF BandInfoEUTRA-r11 BandInfoEUTRA-r11 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxBands)) OF BandParameters-r11                Listing (4)

One example of BandParameters-r11 is illustrated in Listing (5) andTable (2), which include bandTDDConfig and bandTA. In this example, itis assumed that an eNB 160 has information regarding whether the UE 102supports simultaneous transmission and reception between different bandsin which the UE 502 may support different TDD configurations. Forexample, it is possible in the case that this feature is linked to a UE502 category or that this feature is supported by all Rel-11 UEs.However, bandTDDConfig and bandTA are informed to the eNB by a UE 502.

   Band Parameters-r11 ::= SEQUENCE {  tddConfgList   TDDConfigList taList      TAList } TDDConfigList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxBands))OF BandTDDConfig BandTDDConfig ::=      SEQUENCE {  bandTDDConfig       ENUMERATED {supported} } TAList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OF BandTA BandTA ::=      SEQUENCE {  bandTA       ENUMERATED {supported} }               Listing (5)

TABLE (2) BandTDDConfig Indicates whether the UE supports different TDD-Config between the E-UTRA band given by the entry in bandList-r11 andthe E-UTRA band given by the entry in tddConfigList BandTA Indicateswhether the UE supports different Time Alignment between the E-UTRA bandgiven by the entry in bandList-r11 and the E-UTRA band given by theentry in tddConfigList TddConfigList One entry corresponding to eachsupported E-UTRA band listed in the same order as insupportedBandListEUTRA TaList One entry corresponding to each supportedE-UTRA band listed in the same order as in supportedBandListEUTRAbandList-r11 One entry corresponding to each supported E-UTRA bandlisted in the same order as in supportedBandListEUTRA

Another example of BandParameters-r11 is given in Listing (6) and Table(3), which include bandTDDConfig, bandTDDDuplex and bandTA.

   Band Parameters-r11 ::= SEQUENCE {  tddConfigList   TDDConfigList tddDuplexList  TDDDuplexList  taList      TAList } TDDConfigList ::=SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxBands)) OF BandTDDConfig BandTDDconfig ::=     SEQUENCE {  bandTDDConfig        ENUMERATED {supported} }TDDDuplexList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxBands)) OF BandTDDDuplexBandTDDDuplex ::=      SEQUENCE {  bandTDDDuplex        ENUMERATED{supported} } TAList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxBands)) OF BandTA BandTA::=      SEQUENCE {  bandTA        ENUMERATED {supported} }              Listing (6)

TABLE (3) BandTDDConfig Indicates whether the UE supports different TDD-Config between the E-UTRA band given by the entry in bandList-r11 andthe E-UTRA band given by the entry in tddConfigList BandTDDDuplexIndicates whether the UE supports simultaneous transmission andreception between the E-UTRA band given by the entry in bandList-r11 andthe E-UTRA band given by the entry in tddDuplexList BandTA Indicateswhether the UE supports different Time Alignment between the E-UTRA bandgiven by the entry in bandList-r11 and the E-UTRA band given by theentry in tddConfigList TddConfigList One entry corresponding to eachsupported E-UTRA band listed in the same order as insupportedBandListEUTRA TddDuplexList One entry corresponding to eachsupported E-UTRA band listed in the same order as insupportedBandListEUTRA TaList One entry corresponding to each supportedE-UTRA band listed in the same order as in supportedBandListEUTRAbandList-r11 One entry corresponding to each supported E-UTRA bandlisted in the same order as in supportedBandListEUTRA

Yet another example of BandParameters-r 1 is illustrated in Listing (7)and Table (4), which include bandTDDDuplex and bandTA. In this case, itis assumed that the eNB knows if a UE 502 supports different TDDconfigurations between different bands. For example, it is possible inthis case that this feature is linked to a UE 502 category or that thisfeature is supported by all Rel-11 UEs. However, bandTDDDuplex andbandTA are informed to the eNB by the UE 502.

   Band Parameters-r11 ::= SEQUENCE {   tddDuplexList   TDDDuplexList  taList       TAList } TDDDuplexList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxBands))OF BandTDDDuplex BandTDDDuplex ::=      SEQUENCE {  bandTDDDuplex       ENUMERATED {supported} } TAList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OF BandTA BandTA ::=           SEQUENCE {  bandTA           ENUMERATED {supported} }                  Listing (7)

TABLE (4) bandTDDDuplex Indicates whether the UE supports simultaneoustransmission and reception between the E-UTRA band given by the entry inbandList-r11 and the E-UTRA band given by the entry in tddDuplexListbandTA Indicates whether the UE supports different Time Alignmentbetween the E-UTRA band given by the entry in bandList-r11 and theE-UTRA band given by the entry in tddConfigList tddDuplexList One entrycorresponding to each supported E-UTRA band listed in the same order asin supportedBandListEUTRA taList One entry corresponding to eachsupported E-UTRA band listed in the same order as insupportedBandListEUTRA bandList-r11 One entry corresponding to eachsupported E-UTRA band listed in the same order as insupportedBandListEUTRA

Yet another example of BandParameters-r 1 is illustrated in Listing (8)and Table (5), which include bandTDDDuplex. In this case, it is assumedthat the eNB knows if a UE supports different TDD configurations anddifferent Time Alignment between different bands. For example, it ispossible in this case that this feature is linked to a UE 502 categoryor that this feature is supported by all Rel-11 UEs. However,bandTDDDuplex is informed to the eNB by the UE 502.

   Band Parameters-r11 ::= SEQUENCE {  tddDuplexList      TDDDuplexList} TDDDuplexList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1.. maxBands)) OF BandTDDDuplexBandTDDDuplex ::=     SEQUENCE {  bandTDDDuplex       ENUMERATED{supported} }                Listing (8)

TABLE (5) bandTDDDuplex Indicates whether the UE supports simultaneoustransmission and reception between the E-UTRA band given by the entry inbandList-r11 and the E-UTRA band given by the entry in tddDuplexListtddDuplexList One entry corresponding to each supported E-UTRA bandlisted in the same order as in supportedBandListEUTRA bandUst-r11 Oneentry corresponding to each supported E-UTRA band listed in the sameorder as in supportedBandListEUTRA

One benefit of the systems and methods disclosed herein is thatmanufacturers can make various types of UEs of varying cost andperformance with regards to the RF capability and throughput and thesystem can accommodate such various types of UEs.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of RRCsignaling. As described above, the eNB 160 may be informed of UE 102capability by the UE 102 and the eNB 160 may schedule the UE 102according to the UE 102 capability in a case of different TDDconfigurations between two cells that are in different bands. In someimplementations, however, the eNB 160 may further require the UE 102 tobe configured for half duplex communications even if the UE 102 has thecapability to support simultaneous transmission and reception in a caseof different TDD configurations between two cells that are in differentbands.

For example, the UE 602 may be configured by the E-UTRAN 633 (e.g., eNB160) using RRC signaling that indicates whether the UE 602 is requiredto perform simultaneous transmission and reception or not. For instance,the E-UTRAN 633 (e.g., eNB 160) may send RRCConnectionReconfiguration667 signaling to the UE 602. In some implementations, the UE 602 mayrespond with RRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete 669 signaling when theUE 602 has successfully set (e.g., reconfigured) a duplexing type forcommunications.

If the UE 602 is configured with not performing simultaneoustransmission and reception, the UE 602 may follow one of the subframeconfigurations for all cells in the collision subframe in which uplinkand downlink are collided among cells. Alternatively, the UE 602 mayselect one of the subframe configurations and mute other cells withother subframe configuration in the collision subframe. Then, in asubframe in which uplink and downlink communications are collided, theUE 602 may use the subframe as an uplink subframe, a downlink subframeor a special subframe.

Whether the UE 602 is required to perform simultaneous transmission andreception or not may be UE 602 specific or band combination specific orcell combination specific. If it is UE 602 specific, it may be enough tohave one bit for the current carrier aggregation configuration. If it isband combination specific or cell combination specific, it may be neededto have one bit for each band combination or cell combination.

Configuring the UE 602 may be accomplished by using an RRC connectionreconfiguration procedure that is used to modify an RRC connection. Forexample, the RRC connection reconfiguration procedure may establish,modify or release resource blocks (RBs), may perform handover, maysetup, modify or release measurements and/or may add, modify or releaseSCells 121. It should be noted that enabling the system (e.g., theE-UTRAN 633) to require the UE 602 to change RF operation may bebeneficial. For example, the UE 602 may reduce power consumption byusing half duplex communications.

FIG. 7 illustrates various components that may be utilized in a userequipment (UE) 702. The UE 702 may be utilized as one or more of the UEs102, 502 described above. The UE 702 includes a processor 739 thatcontrols operation of the UE 702. The processor 739 may also be referredto as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory 745, which may includeread-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a combination of thetwo or any type of device that may store information, providesinstructions 741 a and data 743 a to the processor 739. A portion of thememory 745 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).Instructions 741 b and data 743 b may also reside in the processor 739.Instructions 741 b and/or data 743 b loaded into the processor 739 mayalso include instructions 741 a and/or data 743 a from memory 745 thatwere loaded for execution or processing by the processor 739. Theinstructions 741 b may be executed by the processor 739 to implement oneor more of the methods disclosed herein.

The UE 702 may also include a housing that contains one or moretransmitters 758 and one or more receivers 720 to allow transmission andreception of data. The transmitter(s) 758 and receiver(s) 720 may becombined into one or more transceivers 718. One or more antennas 722 a-nare attached to the housing and electrically coupled to the transceiver718.

The various components of the UE 702 are coupled together by a bussystem 751, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus and astatus signal bus, in addition to a data bus. However, for the sake ofclarity, the various buses are illustrated in FIG. 7 as the bus system751. The UE 702 may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 747for use in processing signals. The UE 702 may also include acommunications interface 749 that provides user access to the functionsof the UE 702. The UE 702 illustrated in FIG. 7 is a functional blockdiagram rather than a listing of specific components.

FIG. 8 illustrates various components that may be utilized in an evolvedNode B (eNB) 860. The eNB 860 may be utilized as one or more of the eNBs(e.g., eNB 160) described previously. The eNB 860 may include componentsthat are similar to the components discussed above in relation to the UE602, including a processor 853, memory 859 that provides instructions855 a and data 857 a to the processor 853, instructions 855 b and data857 b that may reside in or be loaded into the processor 853, a housingthat contains one or more transmitters 817 and one or more receivers 878(which may be combined into one or more transceivers 876), one or moreantennas 880 a-n electrically coupled to the transceiver(s) 876, a bussystem 865, a DSP 861 for use in processing signals, a communicationsinterface 863 and so forth.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any available medium thatcan be accessed by a computer or a processor. The term“computer-readable medium,” as used herein, may denote a computer-and/or processor-readable medium that is non-transitory and tangible. Byway of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable orprocessor-readable medium may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desiredprogram code in the form of instructions or data structures and that canbe accessed by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used herein,includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatiledisc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproducedata magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

It should be noted that one or more of the methods described herein maybe implemented in and/or performed using hardware. For example, one ormore of the methods described herein may be implemented in and/orrealized using a chipset, an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) or integrated circuit,etc.

Each of the methods disclosed herein comprises one or more steps oractions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/oractions may be interchanged with one another and/or combined into asingle step without departing from the scope of the claims. In otherwords, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required forproper operation of the method that is being described, the order and/oruse of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departingfrom the scope of the claims.

It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the preciseconfiguration and components illustrated above. Various modifications,changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation anddetails of the systems, methods, and apparatus described herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. (canceled) 2: A user equipment (UE) configuredfor signaling UE capability, comprising: a processor; and memory inelectronic communication with the processor; instructions stored in thememory being executable to: send, to a base station, a radio resourcecontrol (RRC) message including capability information of the UE,wherein the capability information includes first information and secondinformation, the first information indicates supported band combinationsand the second information indicates whether the UE supports concurrenttransmission and reception on different bands for each band combination.3: A base station configured for receiving user equipment (UE)capability signaling, comprising: a processor; and memory in electroniccommunication with the processor; instructions stored in the memorybeing executable to: receive, from a UE, a radio resource control (RRC)message including capability information of the UE, wherein thecapability information includes first information and secondinformation, the first information indicates supported band combinationsand the second information indicates whether the UE supports concurrenttransmission and reception on different bands for each band combination.4: method performed by a user equipment (UE) configured for signaling UEcapability, comprising: sending, to a base station, a radio resourcecontrol (RRC) message including capability information of the UE,wherein the capability information includes first information and secondinformation, the first information indicates supported band combinationsand the second information indicates whether the UE supports concurrenttransmission and reception on different bands for each band combination.5: A method performed by a base station configured for receiving userequipment (UE) capability signaling, comprising: receiving, from a UE, aradio resource control (RRC) message including capability information ofthe UE, wherein the capability information includes first informationand second information, the first information indicates supported bandcombinations and the second information indicates whether the UEsupports concurrent transmission and reception on different bands foreach band combination.